Spaceband box for typographical composing machines



W. B. ABBOTT SPAGEBAND BOX FOR TYPOGRAPHICAL COMPOSING MACHINES Filed Sept. 18, 1965 Z4 \Fl 2 Sheets-Sheet l l iN im@ MHC? L, @i L L 55 Hf 2f-[ El' RHZ\Y 652... KH 55 y M3 6/ 3 Rm x RBI RBZ INVENToR.

sb WILLIAM B. ABBOTT /WTRNE Y W. B. ABBOTT Dec. 28, 1965 SPACEBAND BOX FOR TYPOGRAPHICAL COMPOSING MACHINES 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 18, 1963 United States Patent O 3,225,906 SPACEBAND BOX FOR TYPOGRAPHICAL COMPOSING MACHINES William B. Abbott, Pleasantville, N.Y., assignor to Eltra Corporation, a corporation of New York Filed Sept. 18, 1963, Ser. No. 309,660 2 Claims. (Cl. 199-22) This invention relates to typographical line casting machines wherein circulating matrices and expansible spacebands are released from separate magazines and then composed in line, the composed line transferred to the face of a slotted mold, the mold filled with molten metal to form a type bar or slug against the matrices, and then the matrices .and spacebands are thereafter elevated and returned by suitable mechanisms to the magazines from which they started.

The spacebands are located in a storage magazine, generally called a spaceband box, located above the assembler mechanism of the machine and are released at the proper time to be assembled at the correct position in a line of composed matrices and spacebands. The release of a spaceband is effected by an escapement mechanism which lifts the spaceband lugs over arresting shoulders at the discharge end of the box, thereby permitting the spaceband to fall through a delivery chute to the assembler where it is displaced laterally by the star wheel and stacked against the previously assembled matrices.

In general, due to the location of the spaceband box with respect to the assembler, spaceband assembly time is inherently shorter than matrix assembly time. Thus, if the release of matrices and spacebands is called for at regular intervals, as in the case of manual operation of the keyboard when the operator actuates the keys at substantially fixed intervals, there is a likelihood of a spaceband reaching the assembler before the last matrix of the preceding word. To obviate this possibility, a delay is provided between actuation of the spaceband key and the release of the spaceband.

Heretofore the spaceband delay generally was provided by the timing of the spaceband keyboard cam which delayed release of the spaceband after the key was depressed. While this arrangement has been satisfactory in the past with manual operation and with relatively low speed automatic operation under control of a coded tape, it does not provide the adjustment flexibility and precision that is needed at high composing speeds when the machine is operating under tape control.

The operating speed of a tape control unit and of the linecasting machine controlled thereby are coordinated so that as the speed at which a linecasting machine can assemble matrices and spa-cebands is increased the operating speed of the tape control unit is likewise increased. However, with the normal delay between a spaceband signal and the release of a spaceband a different problem is encountered during high speed tape operation of the linecasting machine. The problem stems from the fact that as the speed 4of the operating unit increases, the time interval between signals being read on the tape decreases with the result that when the spaceband release is delayed after decoding of the spaceband signal, the spaceband will be prevented from being properly assembled by the next following matrix which prevents the spaceband wedge from falling to its dependent position. This is particularly objectionable in machines having a so-called straight line delivery mechanismv since an unseated spaceband will prevent delivery of the line to the first elevator and, consequently, will result in a machine stoppage.

The problem is obviated on tape controlled machines by introducing a delay after release of a spaceband and before the release of the next matrix. This delay is effected by having a one cycle delay in the matrix release responsive to the signal for that matrix. Theprovision of cyclic delays is Well understood by those familiar with tape operated linecasting machines.

However, due to the short intervals between reading of successive signals on the control tape, the problem of transpositions is still present to some extent. Of course, this diiiiculty can be overcome by introducing a one cycle delay between the release of the preceding matrix and the release of the spaceband, but only at the expense of productivity. For each delay introduced, the assembly of one matrix is lost.

This problem also can be overcome by increasing the normal spaceband delay that occurs between the reading of a signal for a spaceband and the actual release of a spaceband. Resort cannot be had to this solution because the one cycle delay introduced after release of the spaceband is longer than is necessary for its purpose, and such a delay cannot itself be shortened inasmuch as delays can only be introduced as multiples of a cycle due to the conventional method of introducing delays on tape controlled operating units.

Since the normal spaceband delay is provided by the design of the spaceband release keyboard cam, the only way of increasing the delay is to modify the cam. This, however, is undesirable since the linecasting machine may also be operated under manual control, in which event the increased delay time would result inthe improper assembly of spacebands as by increasing the likelihood of the spaceband wedge failing to fall to its normal dependent position.

Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to provide an improved spaceband delay mechanism Whereby the delay in release of a spaceband can be conveniently varied depending on the operating conditions for the machine.

In carrying out the present invention there is provided an electrically operated escapement mechanism for presenting the foremost spaceband from its storage magazine to the guide chute. This escapement mechanism includes a rotary solenoid which upon energization operates a linkage which presents the lead spaceband for assembly. The delay between the signal for a spaceband (manual or electrical) and its actual release is provided by a delay circuit. This control circuit is provided with manual adjustment means which enables an operator by careful manipulation to accurately set the delay at a desired interval for either manual or automatic operation.

Features and advantages of this invention may be gained from the foregoing and from the description of a preferred embodiment thereof which follows.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a portion of a typographical machine having the present escapement mechanism applied thereof;

FIG. 2 is a sectional elevation showing the mechanism for actuation of the delay circuit;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the spaceband box and escapement mechanism with a portion of the box broken away for clearness of illustration;

FIG. 4 is a front sectional view of the spaceband box and escapement mechanism;

FIG. 5 is a side section taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic wiring diagram of the delay c1rcu1try.

Referring to FIG. l, spacebands are shown stored in a magazine 10 in the manner ordinarily understood in the art. The magazine 10 as shown is generally located to the lef-t of a rotating star wheel 11 and directly above the assembler 12. When a spaceband is released from its magazine it is presented to a vertical chute 13, fastened to the magazine 10 which guides it to a position in fron-t of the star wheel, which in turn displaces it laterally against the preceding seated matrix composed in the assembler. Thereafter the spaceband 14 descends until its support ears 16 seat on cooperating assembler rails 17. In a somewhat similar manner matrices are released from their storage channel in the matrix magazine and are guided by chutes 18 on to a `continuously moving assembler belt 19 which delivers them to the star wheel for assembly. The star wheels role is to stack spacebands and matrices one by one in Vthe assembler in the order of their release. During composition, the leading end of the matrix line is supported by a line resistant 21 located in the assembler, and for a discussion of such a resistant and its operating mechanism reference may be made to U.S. Patent No. 2,997,159.

The general construction of a spaceband 14 is well known and will only 'be mentioned briefly here. "the spaceband consists of an upper short slide member 22 including support ears 16 and a longer wedge type member 23. These members are slidably connected by a dovetailing arrangement so that the wedge may be forced upwardly through the matrix line to eifect justification. During the operation of the line casting machine with which this invention is concerned, the spacebands are understood to be in a reposed or unexpanded condition.

After the casting of a slug against a composed line the spacebands 14 are returned to their storage magazine 10 by a transfer mechanism. The opera-tion of such mechanisms is well known and fully disclosed in U.S. Patent 2,852,131. In traveling to and in their storage magazine the projecting ears 16 on the upper slide member of a spaceband ride along guide rails 24. As depicted in FIG. 3 these rails are provided with a horizontal and an inclined portion. In general these rails are formed by recesses cut into the front and back walls 25 and 26 of the storage magazine 10. Metal plates 27 also form a part of these rails and each plate is fastened to its associated magazine wall by appropriate securing means. After the transfer mechanism delivers the spacebands to the inclined portion of the rails they travel by gravity until interrupted 'by engagement with stop shoulders 30 formed at the remote end of each plate 27. In this leading position, an escapement mechanism 31, described hereinafter, engages the projection ears 16 and lifts them over the stop shoulders thereby presenting the spaceband to the vertical delivery chute 13. This chute is of standard construction and suffice it to say here that it is fastened to the end of the front and rear walls 25 and 26 by machine screws (not shown) while it performs the function of guiding the released spaceband as it drops by gravity to the star wheel assembly. The front and back walls provide 'between them a channel in which the spacebands travel in their move to the stop shoulders. These walls are held in reation to one another 4by `a spacer piece 32 (see FIG. 3) which is fastened to the walls by any appropriate means. The magazine is then in turn fixedly mounted to the line casting frame by fastening screws 33 through the back wall 26. See FIG. 1 where one of such screws 33 is shown.

The aforementioned escapement mechanism 31 includes a rotary solenoid 35 fastened to plate 36 projecting from the machine frame by bolts 37. Upon energizetion of this solenoid by an appropriate circuit, link 40 rotatably mounted on the armature thereof pivots in a clockwise direction. Link 40 is pinned at its remote end to a lifting lever 41 which in turn is pivoted to the back wall 26 at 42. A tension spring 44 secured to this lever and the back wall biases lever 41 to its inoperative position fixed by a pin 45 mounted in the back wall, which engages the top end of slot 46 formed in this lever. It should be apparent that when solenoid 35 is energized,

lever 41 will pivot counter clockwise upon deenergization,

spring 44 will immediately return both the link 40 and lever 44 to their inoperative position. The exten-t of the lift or `throw of lever 44 is of course limited by pin 45 engaging the bottom end of the slot 46. Fastened to an L shaped arm member 47 of lever 41 by machine screws 48 is a U shaped bracket 49. As best seen in FIG. 5, bracket 49 is positioned in recessed cut out portions 50 of both the front and back walls 25 and 26 and so located so as to straddle the inclined portions of the guide rails, which at this point adjacent the stop shoulders 30 are formed solely by plates 27. Each side of the bracket 49 is provided with a transverse finger 51 which projects inwardly towards the ears 16 of the leading spaceband. Again, as seen in FIG. 5, the ears of the slide member 22 project outwardly beyond the supporting plates 27 and it is this portion of the ears which is engageable by fingers 51. Thus by energizing the solenoid 35, fingers 51 rise to lift the foremost spaceband off the plates 27 and present it atop the stop shoulders 30; As seen in FIG. 4, the top of the stop shoulders is bevelled thereby allowing the presented spaceband to be guided into chute 13. Fingers 51 are of course limited in width so that they can only engage the lead spaceband.

To render the escapement mechanism inoperative, a latching catch assembly 53 as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3 has been provided. The assembly includes a center plate member 54 which is fastened to the front and back walls 25 and 26 by screws 55 such that it is located adjacent the escapement mechanism 31. In passing, it will be observed that plate 54 does not interfere with the recessed support rails 24 or with the spacebands which travel therealong. A crank shaped latch 56 is pivotably mounted on member 54 by screw 57 and, as shown in FIG. 3, is in its unlatching position. When it is pivoted in a clockwise direction to its other position, its hooked shaped portion 5S latches the top horizontal portion of the L shaped arm 47 thereby preventing lifting thereof and the release of a spaceband.

The electric delay circuit 60 is shown in FIG. 6. Line L1 is at a fixed potential with respect to ground so that when switch 61 is closed a path is completed through the coil of relay RA. Relay RA thereafter forms its own holding circuit by closing normally open contacts RA-l and in addition it opens contacts RA-Z, the purpose of which will be seen shortly. At this point, for the sake of clarity, it will be indicated that the various resistances R in the delay circuit branches 62 and 63 are so chosen that although the emitter of transistor 64 is biased positively with respect to the collector, the transistor is normally in a non-conductive state. However, when contacts RA-2 open, capacitor C-1 starts to charge and after a time interval fixed by the circuit elements allows a current to flow from the emitter through the collector and the coil of relay RB to ground. After relay RB is energized its closes contacts RB-l and RB-2. The closing of contacts RB-l and RB-Z completes a circuit to rotary solenoid 35 which actuates the spaceband release mechanism 31. When contacts R13-1 close they also open the holding circuit for relay RA which de-energizes same. This in turn causes contacts RA-l and RA-2 to return to their normal position, which shortly thereafter restores the transistor 64 to its normal non-conductive state. Relay RB now drops out, which in turn opens contacts RB-l and RB-2, deenergizing solenoid 35. During this operation solenoid 35 will have been energized for a sufficient duration to effect a spaceband release. The delay can be varied in two ways; rst, by the manually adjustable potentiometer 65, and second, by a manual switch MS which enables an operator to place in parallel with capacitor `C--1 a second capacitor C-2. By the use of these adjustment means an operator by careful manipulation can accurately set the spaceband delay interval for either manual or high speed tape operations at a desired setting by varying these elements in the circuit branch 62.

Summarizing, with automatic tape controlled operation, if a one cycle delay is introduced after the release of a spaceband, assembly difliculties can be obviated by increasing the spaceband delay over that delay which is provided on manual operation.

Referring now to FIG. 2 of the drawings; switch 61 is closed by the actuation of vertical reed rod 70. This reed rod 70 is operated by keyboard rod 71 which in turn is operated by the conventional keyboard trigger mechanism. Thus the pivoting of key lever 72 by the operator or its actuation by a tape controlled signal raises the key weight 73 and trips trigger 74 to release the yoke 75, allowing the cam 76 to fall upon the constantly rotating rubber roller 77 and partake of one complete rotation in rocking the yoke upwardly to lift the keyboard rod 71, thereby lifting reed rod 70 and switch 61.

It is to be understood that many changes can be made in the disclosed embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and therefore the description and drawings are to be interpreted in an illustrative rather than in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

1. In a typographical linecasting machine having a spaceband box in which spacebands are stored for release therefrom one at a time in response to spaceband signals, spaceband release mechanism comprising, in combination, a member for lifting spacebands from said box, a spaceband release solenoid for moving said member through an active stroke, spring means for restoring said member to its normal non-lifting position, time delay circuit means for controlling the energization of said solenoid, switch means for initiating operation of said time delay circuit, keyboard cam mechanism including a power roller and a timing cam for actuating said switch means, and means for triggering said keyboard cam mechanism to initiate a spaceband release operation.

2. Spaceband release mechanism according to claim 1 wherein said time delay circuit includes a transistor circuit having a potentiometer connected therein, a resistor-capacitor circuit connected to said potentiometer to bias said transistor to a non-conducting state, a rst relay energized by said cam actuated switch and adapted to charge the capacitor in said resistor-capacitor circuit and thereby cause the transistor to conduct, and a second relay connected in the transistor collector circuit, said second relay controlling the energization of the aforesaid spaceband release solenoid.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,934,203 4/1960 Nause 199-18 EUGENE R. CAPOZIO, Primary Examiner. 

1. IN A TYPOGRAPHICAL LINECASTING MACHINE HAVING A SPACEBAND BOX IN WHICH SPACEBONDS ARE STORED FOR RELEASE THEREFROM ONE AT A TIME IN RESPONSE TO SPACEBOND SIGNALS, SPACEBAND RELEASE MECHANISM COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION, A MEMBER FOR LIFTING SPACEBANDS FROM SAID BOX, A SPACEBAND RELEASE SOLENOID FOR MOVING SAID MEMBER, THROUGH AN ACTIVE STROKE, SPRING MEANS FOR RESTORING SAID MEMBER TO ITS NORMAL NON-LIFTING POSITION, TIME DELAY CIRCUIT MEANS FOR CONTROLLING THE ENERGIZATION OF SAID SOLENOID, SWITCH MEANS FOR UNITIATING OPERATION OF SAID TIME DELAY CIRCUIT, KEYBOARD CAM MECHANISM INCLUDING A POWER ROLLER AND A TIMING CAM FOR ACTUATING SAID SWITCH MEANS, AND MEANS FOR TRIGGERTING SAID KEYBOARD CAM MECHANISMM TO INITIATE A SPACEBAND RELEASE OPERATION. 